Home · Politics · International Politics · Mr. President Goes to Ottawa
Topic spans: 1947 - 2009
Mr. President Goes to Ottawa
He is the most important leader in the world. And even though the country may not always like what they hear, when the president of the United States comes to Ottawa, Canada listens. From Franklin Roosevelt to Bill Clinton, U.S. presidents have been given the honour of addressing Canada's Parliament. Sometimes their speeches draw warm ovations; others are met by catcalls and anger. But over time, each presidential message has been an important indicator of the goodwill — and the problems — facing these neighbours.
Topic photo of William Lyon Mackenzie King and Harry Truman in Ottawa courtesy National Film Board of Canada. Phototheque / Library and Archives Canada / PA-113240
20 television clips
3 radio clips
Eisenhower's frank address
Broadcast Date: July 9, 1958
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower opens his parliamentary address with the phrase, "Frankness in good spirit is a measure of friendship." The president's speech is unquestionably matter-of-fact — he is the first U.S. president who doesn't come to the Commons full of praise for Canada. It's because the parliamentary address occurs at a time when Canadian businesses are worried they'll be overtaken by American interest.As seen in this CBC Television clip of his speech, President Eisenhower staunchly defends the economic interests of his country.
Eisenhower's frank address
• The president and Mamie Eisenhower were greeted by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his wife Olive. As they descended their plane, a band played the Star Spangled Banner. During the anthem, President Eisenhower held his fedora over his heart with his right hand — a traditional American salute.• In the House of Commons, Liberal members of Parliament cheered when President Eisenhower said he assumed Canada wasn't interested in the "artificial redirection" of world trade.
• MPs later said they thought President Eisenhower's remark on trade was a dig at Conservative Prime Minister Diefenbaker's recent trade policy. The prime minister was interested in redirecting 15 per cent of Canada's trade with the United States to the United Kingdom.
• Asked to respond outside Parliament, Diefenbaker refused, saying, "I never read conclusions into anyone's remarks."
• In honour of the president's address, television cameras — including those from CBC — were allowed in Parliament for the first time.
• When President Eisenhower addressed Parliament in 1953, more tickets were issued than there were seats available in the House of Commons gallery. Many eager spectators had to be turned away.
• Dwight Eisenhower was the 34th U.S. president and served two terms from 1953 to 1961.
Eisenhower's frank address
Medium: Television
Program: CBC Television News
Broadcast Date: July 9, 1958
Guest(s): Dwight Eisenhower
Duration: 4:33
Last updated:
April 16, 2003
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23 clips in this topic . page
Television
40:26
Nov. 22, 1963
An assassin's bullet kills U.S. President John Kennedy and leaves the world in shock.
Eisenhower's frank address.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: April 16, 2003.
[Page consulted on Feb. 9, 2010.]